Cleveland begins merging fire, ambulance servicesCleveland is combining its ambulance services and Fire Department in an effort to improve response times, putting firefighters who are also paramedics on fire trucks and stationing ambulance crews at fire stations. The goal is to create a Division of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Service, staffed with cross-trained professionals, and have one emergency dispatch hub handle all calls. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
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New Chicago policy sends fewer police to crime scenesThis week the Chicago Police Department began a policy of not sending officers to certain crime scenes, such as a car theft or some burglaries, where the suspect has fled. The goal is to free up officers for more serious crimes and cases where people are in danger, so reports in cases where the danger has passed will be taken over the phone. Officers will be dispatched if the victim is not safe or needs medical care, or if it appears the suspect may return and an arrest can be made. Chicago Tribune (tiered subscription model)
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Why Platform Matters When Choosing an ERP SystemIn order to survive, grow, and compete in the digital age, organizations need an ERP that is highly flexible and able to adapt. So, what are the tough platform questions you should ask yourself when shopping for an ERP? Download the report to find out!

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Policy Pulse

Pa. bill designed to facilitate consolidation, ease shortfallA Pennsylvania state legislator from Delaware County plans to propose a bill that would provide counties with guidance on merging and regionalizing 9-1-1 services. The legislation would give the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency authority to provide a plan that includes joint-purchasing opportunities, technology regionalization and center consolidation, which are cost-saving measures designed to help close budget deficits for 9-1-1 centers. Delaware County Daily Times (Primos, Pa.)
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TCS Smart911 provides dispatchers with key intel on textersTeleCommunication Systems has launched TCS Smart911 technology, through its Geospatial Emergency Manager portal, which will give 9-1-1 systems access to text messages and detailed information about the sender. Dispatchers use a regular browser to access the GEM system. Once they get a 9-1-1 text, they will be able to view a database profile associated with the phone number. "They can be looking at medical history, photos — for example, the picture of a missing child — and all the kinds of rich media that the next-generation capabilities are permitting. And we're there with this available today through the GEM 911 portal," said Kent Hellebust, a TCS vice president. Forbes
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Fire drill evaluates new thermal imaging camerasSalt Lake City firefighters tested new thermal imaging cameras with updated technology during a drill, according to this report. "They give us more opportunities to save someone," said Capt. Chris Milne. The cameras, used to locate firefighters and victims, are sensitive enough to find people in a smoke-filled building, pick up residual heat left behind when a foot slides on a frozen surface, and they show even slight differences in temperatures. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
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What percentage of your time and effort as a 9-1-1 leader is spent trying to resolve problems with "difficult employees"? And what role does poorly managed stress play in unacceptable behavior and performance? Maybe too much! That's why disciplinary measures alone are often ineffective. Join 9-1-1 mental health expert Jim Marshall as he reveals a fascinating picture of how stress affects attitude and performance in the PSAP. Getting equipped with his science-based insights may be your best first step toward improving performance, morale, and boosting retention. Learn more and register today!

PSAPs across the country are leveraging additional data on 9-1-1 callers to improve emergency communications and responses. What can we learn from those at the forefront of integrating additional data into the response process and how can you begin to incorporate rich information on callers into your center?